james forten

Opened on April 19, 2017, the  Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, has brought national and international attention to the history of the people, places and ideals of the American Revolution.  In addition to its exhibits, the Museum engages its audience  through educational and community programs.  Join a conversation with Adrienne Whaley, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Museum of the American Revolution.

Thanks for joining Episode 5. Today we discuss James Forten, one of the richest men in Philadelphia in the early 1800s.  Born a free African American in 1766, James Forten loved his country, and lived most of his teens on ships; ranging from the infamous prison ship the HMS Jersey, to the Commerce, to many many other ships that he outfitted with sails. He lived to become one of the most pre-eminent Philadelphians and Abolitionists of our time.